twodjs

We also respect your difference of opinion. Who they grow up to be is beside the point. My wife is uncomfortable around children and is much happier cruising without them. We literally have no family. We have saved and invested wisely, so that we don't have to depend on anyone else. Our investments also allow us to give back significantly to a variety of causes. We encourage others to do the same.

Christmas without children sounds perfect to us!

On our last Alaska Seabourn cruise, there were at least 1/2 dozen sub-teens on board. My wife is very uncomfortable around children, so she wasn't very happy about that.

Seabourn website has the updated testing requirements - but I'm not sure what the "16 day thing" is. We're on a 17-day cruise and the testing still does apply.

Try googling Halfacts dot com where they have many photos of most cabins on HAL ships.

Our most recent Seabourn cruise was on Odyssey two weeks ago and had none of the problems listed above. Fabulous cruise! And the printed tags fit perfectly into our reusable luggage tag holders with no issue at all. Back to Ovation in December and Venture in February...making the most of life while we're able. When you're served a lemon (or lime), I'd say it's time for a margarita!

You've posted just above me on the highplanesdrifters thread. I would guess the itinerary is pretty excursion intensive and the internet is sketchy at best. I'm checking back every day. Lots of great pre-cruise photos so far. When they have some down time, I have faith that they'll come through with more. If not, come mid-September - tag - you're it! 😁

The HAL and NCL Jewel class ships have my vote, too. Haven't been on the others - adding them to my list. I've found the home port plays a part in the mix of passengers and the experience - San Diego is my favorite. Easy access from the west coast, a more easy-going vibe and itineraries that are not so port intensive.

HAL does not normally use the Railroad dock. We were on a Celebrity ship docked at the Railroad dock a few weeks ago and the Holland America ship was docked across the harbor away from the slide area.

Tryber, I agree with your description of the high risk of infection, low risk of significant illness dilemma along with the costs associated with any decision. We also had the opportunity to extend our recent cruise while on Odyssey, but declined after weighing the potential risk of testing positive and the quarantine after that first week. That was the right decision for us because I tested positive 2 days after our cruise ended. And yes, I did wear an N-95 mask any time I was in a public space.

Sorry tryber, I didn't explain my point clearly. By eliminating pre-testing and masking for guests, cruiselines are suggesting that the risk is very low. If the risk is so low, why 100% masking for crew? That's what doesn't make sense.

Yes, we are paid in full. Should be a fun one. Thanks for checking in.

Since the pre-cruise testing did weed out several fully vaccinated guests who tested positive prior to our Odyssey cruise to Alaska last month, I would think it would provide an extra layer of piece of mind. I tested positive two days after our cruise ended. Fully vaxxed and masked 100% of the time. Sounds like the cruise lines are trying to make it sound safer than it is, while at the same time still requiring 100% masking of crew. Something doesn't add up.

We're on next February in Antarctica - if you wander into the spa area, a picture of the sauna with a window to the outside is shown in the promo - is it only co-ed or is there one in each of the locker areas? Thanks for any additional photos of the ship. Have a great voyage!

Why are people criticizing the conditioner used on HAL? The original poster loves it and is simply trying to determine the brand and where to buy it. We all have our favorites, but that was not the subject of the thread. Looks like doone with post #6 has the answer.

Have never seen a black and white officiers ball or cabaret singers and we're 4 star. How long ago did you experience those events? The newer Pinnacle class ships offer the most variety of entertainment options with Music Walk. The live performances in the main theater include One Step Dance company which is significantly different from your typical song and dance show. People tend to love them or hate them. There is contemporary club music later at night in the BB King's Blues Club. Have not seen any changes since the top management change with the exception of a few BB King's Clubs switching to Rolling Stone Rock Lounges on a couple of ships.

Since the menu is the same as the MDR with the exception of the one extra main course item, you can't expect the food to magically transform into specialty restaurant fare. But we found the service much more personalized and not rushed. And the prep chef behind the glass did add special flair to several of the dishes we ordered. Sorry, but if you think people are staring at you, why not smile back? We didn't find it to be a problem at all. Two thumbs up for the Club Orange venue on Pinnacle Class ships.

We received ours 2 days ago. Our use by date is 2023-05-07. Those date extensions happened early in the testing process and my guess is that the date on this new batch would take into account any possible extended use by date.

The free usps tests are NOT accepted by HAL. They are not proctored.

My thought is - if it wrinkles, it doesn't get packed. Twillory.com offers a great selection of quality dress shirts and light weight dress pants and suit coats. They travel well and do not wrinkle. The pants have a fair amount of stretch and you'd never know by looking at them that both the pants and suit coats are machine washable. I'm a big fan and my entire evening wardrobe on Seabourn is Twillory.

Look up EMed on Google. There are some companies that have sold those kits in the past in smaller quantities. $35 or so apiece. Any qualified at-home test must be proctored (a tech must watch you take the test using your phone - like a zoom meeting). Very easy with results in 15 minutes.

But you can buy a bar tab and get bonus money thrown in. In terms of fitting the title thread, they are adults only, and tips and all dining venues are included. Excursions are not, but their beach club is. I can't think of a cruise line that is adults only and TRULY all-inclusive. What is adults only besides Virgin and Viking? Love to know of others. We were on Seabourn last week and for the first time saw about 10 kids on board. Surprised about that!

Royal is a good cruise line, but why are you loyal? If it's perks becauce of status, I'd suggest you step back and look at the bigger picture. If price were not an object, what experience is most important to you? Try to expand your vision before settling. Remember that your Royal status never goes away. Life is short.

FYI - For anyone going on an Alaskan cruise that passes through the open sea north of Vancouver Island, regardless of the cruiseline you choose, the ocean can be VERY rough. We have traveled that route many times and always expect lots of movement and plan accordingly with lots of options available. Sorry to hear some on this thread apparently were not aware of this. Blame Mother Nature, not HAL. Sea sickness can be a real bummer.

If your sailing is delayed, consider the time as an opportunity (lemonade). When we were on the HAL ship in San diego and our cruise was delayed for 24 hours as failed seals on an azipod had to be replaced, the hotel operations on the ship were normal - the schedule was adjusted a bit and HAL provided free shuttle service to and from the downtown area throughout the period. It was a great way to leasurely see parts of San Diego we had never seen. If you have the extra time, Seattle is a GREAT place to spend it. Again, fingers crossed and enjoy your time on Westerdam.